Buying Guides

Buying guide: Showerheads

Buying Guides

Buying guide: Showerheads

Showerheads aren’t the most glam item in the home. However, they’re a key upgrade when it comes to easily and inexpensively making your bath more pleasant and more eco-friendly. The right showerhead can save you water and energy, not to mention help you work out those post-gym kinks!
Here’s how to find the right one for your
bathroom.
Fixed or hand-heldThe most common showerheads are either stationary or handheld. Handheld models can rest on a standard wall bracket, or they can be paired with a shower bar, a vertical track that an adjustable-height bracket slides on. Shower bars are more customizable (useful if people of different heights share the bath), and often come in stylish designs, though they cost more than standard hand-shower sets.

Fixed showerheads are more low-key in style, but a hand shower is a must if you bathe pets or small kids on a regular basis. Seniors and people with disabilities often find them easier to use, too.

Regardless of what type of showerhead you opt for, look for adjustable spray settings. Handle floor models to see how easy it is to switch between settings. If it isn’t a breeze in-store, it’ll be even more difficult when your hands are sudsy.

Both fixed and basic hand-held showerheads are relatively easy to install for beginners. Shower bars require a more experienced touch or a professional plumber.

Rain-showers and shower tilesWith their sunflower-like, spa-inspired dimensions, rainfall showerheads (also known as rain-showers) help create a
luxurious bath environment. But be warned: their gentle, non-adjustable spray isn’t for everyone. Also, because they’re installed directly overhead, keeping your hair dry requires use of a shower cap.

Tile-style showers that are set flush into the wall or ceiling (Kohler’s Water Tiles are a popular example) are another option, though pricier due to the need for professional installation. Remember though: the more you install, the more water you’re using.
Green showerheadsOlder showerheads guzzle 10 to 18 litres per minute. Newer, water-saving models use half that – just five to seven litres per minute, without any sacrifice in water pressure.

Safety features (anti-scald, pressure-balance features)If you want to avoid scalds, but prefer not to lower the thermostat on your water heater, look for an anti-scald showerhead that reduces water to a trickle when it gets too hot, or install a thermostatic, anti-scald valve to work with any standard showerhead. The latter may sometimes require going in behind the tile wall, however, making an anti-scald showerhead the less invasive, less-expensive option.

FinishIf you’re doing a quick switch between old and new showerheads (rather than a full-on replacement of all fixtures), just match the finish of your new showerhead to the existing fixtures in your bathroom.

Got hard water? Look for rubbery nozzles or a plastic head, as they’re less likely to get clogged or crusted with mineral deposits or need regular de-scaling than all-metal models. Metal’s still an option, but look for Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) finishes if you want to avoid frequent maintenance.

Wine & Spirits

4 must-try classic cocktail recipes

Learn to make these tasty signature cocktails for your next holiday party.

You may not be a mixologist, but these signature drinks will have guests convinced you’ve been taking secret bartending lessons. Word to the wise: Leave the fancy bottle spins to the professionals.

1 The Welder

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz Forty Creek Premium Barrel Select Whisky

1/2 oz Aperol

1 oz lemon juice

1 oz chili syrup

1 chili pepper, for garnish

Directions

Pour the whisky, Aperol, lemon juice and chili syrup into an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into an ice-filled lowball glass and top with the chili pepper.

2 Brandy Crusta

Ingredients

Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Granulated sugar, for garnish

2 oz Hennessy Very Special Cognac

Splash orange curaçao

Dash Angostura bitters

Peel of half a lemon, for garnish

Directions

Prepare a rock glass by moistening the rim with a touch of the lemon juice and dipping it in the sugar. Combine the cognac, curaçao, more lemon juice and the bitters in a shaker. Shake and strain into the glass. Add 1 ice cube and the lemon peel garnish.

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

DIY Projects

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

Looking for holiday gift wrapping ideas to wow your friends and family? No need to spend extra holiday funds on professional wrapping! We've put together 12 ideas to inspire your creative side when it comes time to sit down and wrap this year's presents.

Photo Gallery

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

Faux bois

Create your very own stylish faux bois-inspired holiday gift wrap. For the full look and all the details click here.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Morgan Lindsay
Source: Ryan Brook

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

Cheery colour scheme

A cheery colour scheme uses sky blue to temper the ubiquitous holiday red. The shades play off each other to create a happy holiday palette, while the traditional use of bows and ribbons is perfectly at home in the mix. For the full look and all the details click here.

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

Playing tag

True to her happy-go-lucky style, design assistant Morgan Lindsay created a colourful array of wrapped presents that are guaranteed to put a smile on any recipients’ face. For the full look and all the details click here.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Style at Home
Source: Ryan Brook

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

Paper favours

The natural look has never appeared as good as on these subtle, sophisticated gifts. Whether it’s brown-paper packages tied up with string or gift wrap crafted from a page or two of a vintage book, understated elegance is the name of the game. For the full look and all the details click here.

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

Handmade modern

A little old-fashioned, a little modern and a lot of style. Lace-like details give style and food editor Tara Ballantyne’s packages a handmade feel, while hits of neon keep the look contemporary and fun – perfect for a season that both embraces tradition and celebrates new endeavours. For the full look and all the details click here.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Style at Home
Source: Ryan Brook

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

Snowflakes

Create your own pretty snowflake wrapping paper inspired by one of our favourite of-the-moment wallpaper designs. For the full look and all the details click here.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Morgan Lindsay
Source: Ryan Brook

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

Unconventional colour palette

Indulge in a spate of whimsy this season by choosing a colour palette that’s out of the holiday ordinary. This combination of white and bubble-gum pink brings new life to the tried-and-true basics we’re – maybe – too used to seeing. For the full look and all the details click here.

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

Pretty in pink

The combination of dusty rose and dove grey brings a sense of youthfulness to these Christmas presents that’s sweet but not saccharine. Senior style editor Ann Marie Favot skilfully combined patterned papers, string and stickers to create a fun, fresh take on holiday gift wrapping. For the full look and all the details click here.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Style at Home
Source: Ryan Brook

12 stylish gift wrapping ideas you can do yourself

Golden girl

Always one to bring on the glamour, Jessica Waks gave her gifts a decorator’s touch. Her signature graphic palette of black and white with hits of gold is sophisticated and a perfect match for the dazzle of the holidays. For the full look and all the details click here.

Design Lesson

Dos and don'ts of picking tile for the kitchen and bathroom

Don't stress out picking your next tiling project. We've compiled a list of important dos and don'ts when you decide to shop tile.

Picking out tile for the kitchen and bathroom is often the most daunting of renovating tasks that face DIY decorators. There is such a permanence to tile, and it must meet the dual jobs of being beautiful but highly practical. After all, not too much thought goes into the aesthetics of, for instance, the insulation of a stripped-to-the-studs room. And we don’t fret too much over light fixtures that can be relatively swiftly swapped out if they don’t meet our needs, much as we loved them in the showroom. So we turned to the expertise of Toronto and Nova Scotia interior designer Carol Reed for some dos and don’ts to help you ensure you make the right choice. Here are her tile selection guidelines.

DO go classic, neutral and natural
Just say no to of-the-moment tile trends in the bathroom and kitchen. “I can't stress this enough, avoid trendy shapes and colours and getting overly ‘decorative’ with tile applications,” Carol says. She advises that you resist the temptation to do decorative borders, inlays or accent tiles, particularly in multiple colours. “Tile is not something that is simple or inexpensive to change so stick with neutral, natural colours and keep the pattern classic.”

DO ask questions and get help
An interior designer is trained to pick the right tile for the right place, be it your bathroom or kitchen, and will consider traffic, durability, safety and aesthetics, as well. If you decide to pick out your own tile, be sure to spend the time doing your due diligence in researching these considerations. And don’t forget you need to pick a grout colour and grout width as well, which contribute to the finished look and maintenance, too. “I think my clients past experience with tile mistakes, or tile mistakes they've inherited, are definitely one of the main reasons they decide to hire a designer,” Carol says.

DON’T get too decorative or complicated
“In most situations your tiled surface isn't (or doesn't need to be) the feature statement of the room, usually the tile just needs to play a supporting role,” says Carol. “Unless you're splurging on a luxe stone tile as a key design element, your tile will not be and doesn't have to be the main feature,” she says. Your tile needs to be extremely hardworking but has another purpose: it serves to make the other elements in the space look their best.

DO think about the dimensions of the tiled area and pick suitable tile
Make everyone’s life easier and select a tile size and tile layout pattern that suits the dimensions of the area you are tiling, Carol says. The goal is to avoid having a lot of cut tiles or slivers of tile around the edges or in corners, she adds.

DO select tile before construction begins
“Ultimately, if you can select your tile before construction begins, the contractor can base the finished wall dimensions precisely on the nominal size of the tiles and pattern being used,” she says.

DON’T use various tiles to create a design
If your tile will be a feature design or architectural element in the space, then go for a natural stone or artisanal tile in a simple layout so the character of the tile is the star. “Instead of trying to use various tiles to create a design, opt for a single tile used in different sizes and sheens. You can create some incredibly interesting patterns and effects this way. “ A bonus is that the classic materials and standard sizes are also the most budget friendly.

DON’T be snobby about tile provenance
“Don't rule out the big-box building centres for a good selection of stylish tiles. Many of the tiles you'll see there are the same ones you'll see in higher end boutique tile showrooms,” says Carol.

DON’T overlook natural stone tile
“There are two types of tile I love no matter what the style of home or type of space. I love a large size natural stone in a basic shape or in a classic mosaic pattern applied wall-to-wall, particularly a white-and-grey marble like Carrera because it’s widely available and therefore reasonably priced and pairs well with everything,” she says. Plus, it’s just so easy. When using a natural stone, the beauty of the stone is the feature element and no complicated tile detailing is necessary, she says.

DO consider subway tile
Subway tile is a classic that many interior designers swear by, especially in white. Aside from a white marble, there's nothing Carol (and a sizeable cohort of interior designers) loves more than a white rectangular ceramic tile, commonly referred to as subway tile. “I think they are the white oxford shirt of interiors: tailored but informal, [they] never look out of style, chic but never trendy and you can pair them with anything, dress it up or dress it down,” she says.

DON’T assume all subway tile is the same
You’re not necessarily stuck with a glazed white small rectangle when it comes to subway tile, and depending on the size and installation pattern you chose you can create a modern or traditional look with these tiles, she says. “I use larger matte versions in a stacked pattern for a modern space, or a two-by-nine in a brick pattern for a vintage look, or a bevelled tile in a traditional space,” she says. You can find subway tiles in polished or matte, with plain edges or bevelled, machine-made or hand-formed and in every colour, she adds. “Installed in a brick pattern, stacked or herringbone: The possibilities are endless and timeless all in one. I disagree with anyone who says they're boring, I think they're only as boring as what you put with it,” she says.

DON’T rule out “wood” or “concrete”
Surprise! You can have wood and concrete in the kitchen and bath. It’s called porcelain tile, and it’s super-realistic. “I've been so impressed with the advancement in porcelain tile. The lookalike marble, concrete and wood tiles available are so authentic looking they will fool you even to the touch,” Carol says. “I'm really excited about these options and how they open up entirely new aesthetic possibilities in rooms that otherwise weren't practical for marble or wood,” she says. Aside from these new manufacturing capabilities, Carol eschews tile trends. “I think trendy tile applications date a space more quickly than any other material.”

25 ways to make the most of a small space

Small Spaces

25 ways to make the most of a small space

Make your small space work harder with smart solutions for making it look and feel larger than it actually is.

“Every room has eight corners. Don’t forget that.”

I first heard that from my mom when I was a kid. Whenever we moved, about every other year, I’d hear her mutter those words when she thought she was alone. Standing with hands on hips, she’d stare into the ceiling of our latest apartment, surrounded by boxes and wondering how we’d organize all the books and plants and knick-knacks this time around.

My mom had a point (and she made our space look cosy and organized and funky no matter the size), but she was no design expert. So I found two pros to provide some insight on how to make the most of tight spots in your home.

Meet the expertsLynda Felton is stylist in Toronto who’s created living spaces for magazines and books.

THE FUNDAMENTALS FOR ANY SMALL SPACE1 Remember: A tiny room doesn’t have to hold only tiny furniture.
Sometimes with a small space, people avoid large furniture thinking it will dominate the room. Not true. A large sectional can often be better than a small sofa and chair. Lynda

2 Combine like objects and purge.
Don’t purchase any organizing supplies until you know precisely what needs to be stored. Kyla

3 Use mirrors and glassto create reflections and bounce light around.
Making a small space seem grand depends on maximizing light. You can do that with a glass coffee table, rather than a wood or opaque one. You can do it by tucking mirrors into corners, and by hanging art in glass frames, which create reflections. Lynda

4 Ensure that window coverings don’t cut off light when they’re open.
Hang curtains so that when they’re open, the entire pane is clear; open curtains should fall beside the window and not obscure any of it. Don’t hang curtains inside the window frame. Consider hanging curtains from the ceiling, rather than from the top of the window, which will add height (and some drama) to the space. Lynda

5 Think vertically.
Whether you’re hanging art or shelves, or placing furniture, don’t let vertical space go to waste. Using it is practical, providing a display space for art, for example, and it also draws the eye up, making a space feel more expansive than it actually is. LyndaROOM-BY-ROOM SPECIFICS
In the kitchen
6 Install to-the-ceiling cabinets.
Light-coloured cabinets, open shelves and glass-front doors will help to lighten a space. Too many cabinets, especially made of dark materials, will give the impression that the room is much smaller than it actually is. Lynda

7 Increase accessibility and capacity.
You can do this by adding pullout shelves, rotating inserts and tilt-out bins. Kyla

8 Use cork and magnetic boards.
If new or more cabinets aren’t in your future or your budget, remember that canisters on the counter take up valuable real estate. So cast your eye up to see where you can hang utensils, pots and pans on previously unused space. Lynda

9 Buy wire shelves.
They’re a must in a small space and in the kitchen they can almost double a cupboard’s capacity. Kyla

10 Use the inside of cupboard doors.
If covered with magnetic paint, they can accommodate papers and notes that might get knocked off a fridge in a small space. Lynda

11 Fill a cleaning caddy with supplies that can be stored in the kitchen, but transported around the house. This eliminates the need for cleaning supplies in multiple rooms, like the basement and bathroom, saving space in each. KylaIn the home office
12 Use a wall file system to organize documents.
This will get them off your work surface, but keep them visible and handy. Kyla

13 Consider redesigned wall bed/shelf/desk combinations.
The bed and desk fold into the wall leaving the room clear when you need the space. They also work well in a spare bedroom. Kyla

14 Move all CDs and DVDs into books with sleeves.
I love the faux leather ones at Staples. Then you can dispose of the space-consuming plastic jewel cases. Kyla

15 Don’t throw your coins in a jar.
Buy plastic coin holders that lay open and drop your coins into the appropriate sleeve. You’ll save hours because you’ll never have to sort again. Kyla

16 Get a paper shredder.
And in a small space, make it a habit to shred as soon as mail comes in. That way, there’s no backlog. KylaIn the living room
17 Watch your furniture scale.
You can make a compact room feel much bigger by choosing a few large, bold pieces rather than several smaller ones. And keep the main furnishings in proportion to each other. Lynda

19 Hang your flat screen TV on a flexible arm.
This eliminates the need for a TV stand or entertainment unit. KylaIn the bathroom
20 Get rid of any visual obstructions.
Trade a frosted-glass bath or shower door for a clear glass one. Better yet, eliminate the door altogether and hang a shower curtain that can be pushed to one side when not in use. Lynda

21 Use pullout drawers in the cupboard below your sink.
These ones from Lee Valley are designed to accommodate plumbing. Kyla

22 Hang shelves above the toilet.
Use decorative boxes on the shelves to contain/hide the clutter. Label the boxes so that everything is easy to find, or so that everyone in the household can have their own box. Kyla

In the hallway and closet
23 Wallpaper isn’t just on-trend. It’s practical, too.
In narrow hallways, wallpaper can draw the eye away from the length of the space and create the illusion of width. Just remember: a small space isn't a place for high-contrast colour or patterns. Go for tone-on-tone papers. Lynda

24 Work the lateral space.
By adding a second rod inside a closet, you can double your hanging space. Hanging cubby shelves attached to the rod can add space for sweaters, shoes and hats. Lynda

25 Go custom.
Made-to-measure closet systems can be affordable. And systems from Storables or the Container Store can be dismantled if you want to take them with you when you move. Kyla